Detectable indicator

Abstract

A detectable indicator ( 10 ) formed on a body ( 18 ), the indicator ( 10 ) comprising a deformable element ( 12 ), a safeguard ( 14 ) at least partially surrounding the deformable element ( 12 ) and an area ( 16 ) in the safeguard allowing access to the deformable element ( 12 ).

1. A detectable indicator that is protected during pre-assembly operations comprising:
 a mechanically deformable element having a first position at a first stage of said pre-assembly; 
 a fixed, immovable safeguard at least partially surrounding said deformable element; and 
 an area in said safeguard allowing access to said deformable element for permanently moving said deformable element from said first position to a second position. 
 
   
   
     2. The detectable indicator of  claim 1  wherein said deformable element comprises a tab attached to a body by a one-way hinge. 
   
   
     3. The detectable indicator of  claim 2  wherein said safeguard comprises a wall up-standing from said body and surrounding said deformable element on three sides and providing an open side, said open side providing said area allowing said access to said deformable element. 
   
   
     4. The detectable indicator of  claim 1  wherein said deformable element comprises a heat-deformable rod. 
   
   
     5. The detectable indicator of  claim 4  wherein said safeguard comprises a circular wall up-standing from said body and surrounding said deformable element on four sides and said area allowing said access comprises an open top opposite said body.